"I am young, it is true." 1841

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, "I am young, it is true," presents two figures with exaggerated features. It feels like a comedic commentary on aging, but I'm not sure I fully grasp the context. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Daumier was a master of social satire. His work often critiqued the bourgeoisie and political figures of 19th-century France. How do you think this print might reflect the social dynamics of the time? Editor: Maybe it’s about the vanity of clinging to youth in a society obsessed with appearances? Curator: Exactly. Daumier used caricature to expose societal flaws. The figures' expressions and gestures convey a sense of desperation and self-deception. This print makes me consider the role of art in holding a mirror up to society. Editor: That’s insightful. I see it now as more than just a funny image, but as a commentary on the anxieties of its time. Curator: And perhaps anxieties that continue to resonate today.